NES Principaw Update #6 (Jan 2024)
Mr. Vince Sette and Mrs. Nicole McQuate
2024 has arrived and NES is ready to make it our best year yet!
Wow 2024 has arrived. I read somewhere that we are now closer to the year 2040 than the year 2000. Time continues to fly by but we are determined to make sure we celebrate in the moment with all of the successes from our NES family. We are so excited to see what 2024 has in store for the students and staff.
The office is currently open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm at the elementary.
Parents, please make sure you complete the Final Forms online. If you need assistance, reach out, and we can help complete that if needed.
INSTANT CONNECT
The district will move to a new communication text messaging system this year. We are replacing REMIND with a new product that will be easier to use called Instant Connect. This product syncs and works with Final Forms and DASL so that we always have the most up-to-date contact information for parents. At the beginning of the school year, Mr. Leatherman sent a text message asking parents, staff, and students to opt-in to our alerts from our new notification system. Your phone number is not in our system if you did not get that text.
If you wish to join our new alert notification system, text YES to 87569, and your number will be added.
Counselor's Corner with Mrs. Monte
Happy January!
I am looking forward to teaching class lessons again as I was back briefly before Winter Break! I will also begin small groups and individual counseling sessions for students that have been referred for school counseling. Anyone can refer a student for school counseling with this link. I will be the one who sees these responses and will be in contact with the person that completed the form, the child’s teacher, and caregivers to discuss next steps. In January, our lessons will focus on topics that help us to be our best selves in the new year! For some grade levels this will include learning about how practice and a positive attitude can impact our abilities. While others will focus on how to be more mindful about our words and friendships. You can visit the counselor corner to see notes on each lesson as we complete a topic. Class Lesson Topics in January: During our first week of January, we will be making up lessons that were missed the week before Winter Break due to parties and a shortened week. Kindergarten: Weekly - Students will learn about the importance of paying attention. Then, we will learn the value of practicing new skills and how to learn from our mistakes. Why We Pay Attention Mistakes are OK Practice Makes Better Let’s Practice and Learn 1st Grade: Weekly - Students will focus on feeling proud of their work and talking positively about themselves aloud and in their thoughts. We will discuss how to bounce instead of splat. This means that when faced with challenges we can “bounce back” rather than splat from the frustration! You did it! (Getting Better at a skill) Helpful Thoughts We Can Do It! (Practicing and paying attention—despite mistakes and distractions—to learn something new. Bounce Vs Splat 2nd Grade: Bi-Weekly - Students will learn all about how to learn from our mistakes and the kind of thoughts that will help us improve. What Mistakes Tell Us Helpful and Unhelpful Thoughts 3rd Grade: Weekly - Students learn how to make a plan to get better at something and then learn how to show self-control so that we are able to learn new things! Getting Better with Practice More Than Practice Make a Practice Plan Self-Control 4th Grade: Bi-Weekly - New Year, New Goals! Students will learn how to set a realistic, challenging, and specific goal. We will follow this with organization skills to set us up for success. Setting a Goal Organization 5th Grade: Bi-Weekly - 5th graders are working on being their best selves by being mindful of how they treat others. We will be learning the damage that gossip can have and having healthy friendships. Trouble Talk Friendship
Alexa Monte
School Counselor
Norwayne Elementary School
(330)-435-6383
2023-2024 NES PTO
How Can You Find More About NES PTO:
- Visit the Norwayne Elementary PTO Website by clicking the link below.
- Find the PTO page on Facebook for updates and information. Search Norwayne Elementary PTO and follow the page to stay in the know.
- email PTO at norwaynepto@gmail.com with any questions
- Join the Remind Group for NES PTO (www.remind.com/join/nespto21)
Old Business to Review:
- n/a
Important Upcoming Dates:
Mother son dodgeball event is set to take place on Sunday January 14, 2024. The event will run from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at NES.
2023-2024 Officers
- President = Nikki Wincek
- Vice President = Danielle Saurers
- Secretary = Rhonda Gowin
- Treasurer = Angie Smith
2023-2024 PTO Meeting Dates (All take place at 6:00 pm in the NES Library)
- 9/20/23
- 10/18/23
- 11/15/23
- 1/17/24
- 2/21/24
- 3/20/24
- 4/17/24
- 5/15/24
2023-2024 PTO Events
- Mother Son event will take place on January 14, 2024—more details will come.
- Daddy Daughter Dance will occur on February 18, 2024—more details will come.
- NES Book Fair dates have not been finalized at this time. This event will take place sometime in 2024.
- NES Spring Fling will take place on April 12, 2024. More details with specific times will be forthcoming.
JANUARY SNAPSHOT and IMPORTANT DATES
Several important dates are coming in January. We ask that you please review the dates below, as there have been changes to the school calendar.
2023-2024 Norwayne Color Calendar
- January 3, 2024 = School Resumes from Christmas Break
- January 14, 2024 = Mother Son Dodgeball Event @ NES (4:00 - 7:00 pm)
- January 15, 2024 = No School for MLK Day
- January 17, 2024 = End of 2nd 9 weeks
- January 17, 2024 = PTO Meeting @ NES Library (6:00 pm)
- January 24, 2024 = Grades are sent home
- January 24, 2024 = Reading Under the Lights Meeting @ NES Library (4:00 pm)
2023 NES Veterans Day Slide Show
You can click the picture below which will open the slide show in presentation mode. Please go to the bottom left corner and select the three dots that look like a snowman and choose auto play (It times up best if you select either 2 or 3 seconds). This will start the slideshow automatically with the song and names being read. If you would rather scroll through and look at the pictures you can do that as well at your own pace. Thank you to everyone who was able to create the slideshow for our Veterans.
Tips for the Year from Mr. Sette
December Transportation Department Updates
We hope everyone had a great break!
Reminder: We have been having great success with Stopfinder and will start primarily using that for communication with parents regarding late buses, route changes, etc. We will continue to send out email invites if you have not signed up yet.
You can use Stopfinder to message us if your child will not be on the bus or if you have any questions or concerns.
Now that we are in the colder months, it will be likely that our buses could be delayed due to fog, rain, snow, etc. We do continue to ask that you be out at your stop 5 minutes beforehand though as this is school policy. We will make sure to keep you up-to-date on any delays with Stopfinder though.
Inclement Weather Procedures
When inclement weather conditions occur, a decision might be made by the Transportation Coordinator and/or the Superintendent to delay the opening of school by one hour, two hours, to close school, or to dismiss school early. Every effort will be made to announce delays/closings as early as possible. Also, there may be an announcement to delay school openings with a re-evaluation period to possibly close schools. All weather related announcements will be made through the following media outlets: Wooster radio WQKT 104.5, and WKVX 960 AM will broadcast school delay or closing information. Cancellations/delays will also be reported to WQMX 94.9, WONE 97.3, WNCO 101.3, WAKR 1590 AM and Cleveland TV stations, Channels 3, 5, 8 and 19. Also, Norwayne Local Schools Alert system will send out a text, (if you are signed up) as well as posted on the Norwayne Local Schools website @ http://www.norwaynelocal.k12.oh.us
If you have any questions, you may reach out to Lori Weinman (Transportation Coordinator) via email (lweinman@norwayne.net) or phone (330-435-1141)
Student Handbook Talking Points
- If your child has a fever, they must remain out of school for a minimum of 48 hours. They are able to return after these days as long as the last 24 hours they were fever-free without the aid of fever-reducing medication.
DRESS CODE REMINDER
- Tank tops, muscle shirts, bare midriffs, or sleeveless shirts are NOT permitted. Also, socks are to be worn at ALL times, even with sandals.
- With the weather changing, we go outside for recess as much as possible. We do not have ample extra clothing for students, so please ensure your child dresses for the weather appropriately.
OUTDOOR vs. INDOOR RECESS
- Now that cold weather has arrived, please be reminded that 20 degrees is the benchmark, at which time we look at other weather conditions, such as moisture and wind chill, to decide whether we have indoor or outdoor recess.
2023-2024 NES BREAKFAST and LUNCHES
Breakfast and Lunches for the 2023-2024 school year will no longer be free. Please be on the lookout for the monthly lunch menus once school begins. We will send a hard copy home as well as make them available online to view.
2023-2024 Breakfast and Lunch Prices
Breakfast = $2.50
Lunch = $3.00
Extra Items
Student Milk = $0.75
Pizza Per Slice (on pizza day) = $2.50
Main Dish Only = $2.50
JANUARY STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Kindergarten Spotlight
- Rhylynn Adams = Rhylynn works extremely hard here at school. She works each day to make it her new personal best. She is doing great in Reading and Math. She is a good friend and very helpful to everyone in her class. Way to go Rhylynn!
- Hayes Taylor = Hayes is a natural born leader BY EXAMPLE! He is kind, helpful, and always following directions. He is often the first one out of his seat to help his teacher or classmates. Inside and outside of the classroom, Hayes is competitive, eager to learn, and loves sports! We are so thankful to have Hayes in our classroom!
1st Grade Spotlight
- Emma Riggenbach = Emma is a hard working first grade student. She always comes to class with a smile and is ready to learn something new. When something needs to be done in class she is always ready to lend a helping hand. Emma is a wonderful student to have in our first grade class. Keep up the good work, Emma!
- Russell Holiday = Russell is such a sweet first grader. He is always smiling and happy to be at school. Russell is kind to all those around him and is so eager to learn. His positive attitude makes our classroom a happier place to be. Keep up the great work Russell!
Isaac Chaffin = Isaac is a pleasure to have in our first grade classroom. He is kind and respectful to everyone in class. Isaac is a friend to all and is always listening and focused on his work. Thank you Isaac for being an excellent leader and role model in first grade!
Jax Pitts = Jax is an excellent first grader. He goes above and beyond to help others and is a positive role model for his classmates. He is a great student who always gives his best effort to everything he does. Keep up the awesome work, Jax!
2nd Grade Spotlight
McCoy Sims = McCoy comes to school every day eager to learn. He always participates in class and adds thoughtful information to our class discussions. Great job McCoy! Keep being a great student!
Seraphina Finney = Seraphina is always on task in the classroom. She always has a kind word for her classmates. She works hard to keep our classroom tidy! I am proud of you, Seraphina!
William Turner = William is a go-getter! He is great at getting his work done independently, especially his must-do, may-dos. He is also great at working with others as a team. William’s classmates love him for his easy-going personality and goofiness.
Holly Wiles = Holly is such a great role model for second grade! She is always on task and follows directions very well. She is quiet, never a disruption, and works hard in class. She helps clean up the classroom at the end of each school day. Keep up the great work, Holly!
3rd Grade Spotlight
- Khloe Kerns = Khloe is such a great 3rd grade student. She comes to class prepared and ready to learn. She is kind to others and a great helper. She is a joy to have in class. Keep being a great Bobcat!
- Brooklyn Gasser = is a great example and role model to others. She has a contagious smile and is always willing to help others. Keep up the awesome work Brooklyn!
- Hayley Schaal = Hayley is a joy to have in class. She has been doing a great job at working very hard and it is paying off! Hayley is making excellent growth and is really enjoying her success. Her favorite parts of school are art and reading. Keep up the hard work, Hayley!
- Landon Duminske-Rutter = Landon always comes to school with a smile on his face and an excitement showing he is ready to learn. Landon follows directions, is a great participator in class, and is a good friend to others. Awesome job, Landon, being a kind, safe, and responsible Bobcat!
4th Grade Spotlight
Scarlett Rupp = Scarlett is a Fantastic Fourth Grader! Outside of school, she enjoys going to her family's farm or playing basketball or soccer. Her favorite subject is gym; she likes the "Snake" game Mrs. E plays with them. Scarlett leads by example in the classroom. She is a caring and respectful classmate and she gives her best each day! Way to go, Scarlett
Trey Riggenbach = Trey is an incredible fourth grader! He is extremely hard working, and always tries his best. In fourth grade this year, Trey has been enjoying his teachers, as well as the subject of math. In his free time, Trey enjoys playing football. Keep up the incredible work Trey!
Abel Cool = Abel is a happy fourth grader! He enjoys Science, Math and Reading. He enjoys coming to school everyday and being with his friends. Abel is a caring, confindent and respectful fourth grader. Keep it up, Abel!
Jennifer Sica Ixcoy = Jennifer is a caring and helpful fourth grader! Her favorite classes are Language Arts and Science because she gets to do fun things in Science class. She works hard in all of her classes. She enjoys her teachers and playing games with her siblings at home. Keep being a great role model Jennifer!
Mikey Pettry = Mikey is a caring fourth grader! He enjoys Math and his favorite class is Gym. He enjoys helping others and playing Roblox with his siblings at home. Way to go, Mikey!
5th Grade Spotlight
- Weston Stoller = Weston is a trustworthy and reliable 5th grader. His favorite subjects in school are Science and Social Studies classes and he enjoys being the “Top Cat” of the school. Outside of school, Weston enjoys playing soccer and football. Weston has distinguished himself by being selected as a flag raiser this year for the elementary.
- Phoenix Hall = Phoenix is a respectful, caring, and helpful 5th grader. His favorite subject is Science but enjoys the challenges each class has to offer. Outside of school Phoenix enjoys gaming, soccer, and Legos. Phoenix has distinguished himself by being selected as a flag raiser this year for the elementary.
- Kycen Friend = Kycen is a hardworking, respectful, and confident 5th grader. His favorite aspect of being a fifth grader is learning from his mistakes with the assistance of his teachers. Kycen’s favorite subjects are Gym and Science. Outside of school he enjoys competing in football, basketball, and baseball. Kycen has distinguished himself by being selected as a flag raiser this year for the elementary.
- Bryce Selbee = Bryce is a hardworking, confident, and reliable 5th grader. He enjoys many things outside of school including: soccer, baseball, building, and arts/crafts. Bryce’s favorite subject is Science, but he enjoys all of the opportunities fifth grade has to offer. Bryce has distinguished himself by being selected as a flag raiser this year for the elementary.
- Troy Gasser = Troy is a respectful and helpful leader of the 5th grade. His favorite subject is Science. Outside of school, Troy likes to play football and jump on the trampoline. Troy has quickly become a leader of the 5th grade by setting a good example and striving for excellence. Troy has distinguished himself by being selected as a flag raiser this year for the elementary.
VOLUNTEER UPDATES @ NES
We wanted to share some new information with everyone in regard to volunteers at NES. The district has recently moved to a new background check system (SecureVolunteer, a BIB product) for any and all volunteers in the building. For those of you who frequently visit the NES website, you may have noticed there is a new tab that can be found labeled "Volunteer". I have also linked the tab directly below. By clicking the link you will find information on the volunteer process which will answer many frequently asked questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.
Norwayne Local School Volunteering Website
VOLUNTEER PROCESS
The Norwayne School Board believes one of the greatest resources available may be found in the citizens of the community who have special knowledge and talents to contribute to the District. The use of citizens as volunteers within the school program enhances the educational process not only for students but for the community as well. Volunteers may provide additional support in the classroom, promote community-school cooperation in facilitating the learning process and provide for individuals who have expertise in various areas to be used as resource persons. While we are continually grateful for this support, we are also aware of the potential concerns that can arise when volunteers are working directly with students. The District notifies current and prospective volunteers who have or will have unsupervised access to children on a regular basis that a criminal records check may be conducted at any time. Norwayne Local Schools prioritizes safety for our students and has established a new volunteer process that includes a background check.
What is required?
A background check through the district’s online system will be required of all school volunteers.
How long does it take to process a background check?
Volunteers should apply for the check at least one week prior to an event.
What activities require a background check?
While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some examples that do or do not require a background check:
Background Check Required
Chaperoning a field trip
Providing learning support for a classroom
PTO volunteer work
Volunteering for a classroom celebration at school
Assisting in school during the instructional day
How much does a background check cost?
At this time, Norwayne Local Schools will be covering the cost of the required background checks for volunteers.
How long is a background check effective?
Background checks are good for three years. You will receive an email 30 days prior to expiration informing you that a new background check is needed.
***Norwayne Local Schools utilizes SecureVolunteer, a BIB (Background Investigation Bureau) product, for our background checks. Click the bar below to be taken to the SecureVolunteer website.
FINAL FORMS FOR 2023-2024
Parents can follow the link provided if they did not receive an email to begin the Final Forms process. We thank everyone for their patience as we transition to this online system.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
2023-2024 SCHOOL FEES
BOBCAT COMMUNITY CLOSET
The Closet at 121 S Main St in Creston (right across from the Post Office) offers clothing, shoes, backpacks, coats, hats, gloves, hygiene items, socks and underwear and much more to anyone who could use any of these type of items. We are open the first and third Saturday of each month from 10am-1pm and can also do private appointments. All are welcome and all items are free.
Join us on facebook at Bobcat Community Closet for updates and information or contact us at 330-439-9401
SUBSTITUTES NEEDED
If you have ever thought to yourself how you can help children and be a part of such an amazing school system look no further. We are ALWAYS looking for substitutes for teaching and support staff positions. We encourage anyone seeking the opportunity to help the district to please get in contact with Mr. Sette or Mrs. McQuate so they can help direct you in the proper direction.
Tri-County ESC Substitute Website
ODE Teacher Substitute Requirements
2024 NES Yearbook Orders
2024 NES Yearbook order forms were sent home with children on January 3rd, 2024. Orders can be made online by clicking the link below, or with the actual forms that need to be filled out and returned to NES. Orders can be made through February of 2024.
Mr. Vince Sette
Email: visette@norwayne.net
Website: www.norwayne.net
Location: 286 South Main Street, Creston, OH, USA
Phone: 330-435-6383
Twitter: @NES_principaws